Sameer-Naina SS-Holding It Together (EPILOGUE UPDATED) - Page 9

Part-6: Words And Meanings

"Sameer! What was that? ''Pandit exclaimed as he saw Naina being scolded in the mid of so much crowd.

"Don't know yaar.I just hope they don't create any big issue.Feeling really bad for her plight.'' Sameer sulked a bit reminiscing the way Taiji hurled the words at her.She was not at fault.He initiated the dance.He held her fingers,he held her...

"What was I thinking then?Oh Shit! Please god! Save that poor girl.She is not at fault.Punish me for going overboard.Punish me for being so close to her though being a stranger..Stranger?Am I really a stranger?She very well knows me...Does she?'' He prayed sincerely and questioned himself confusedly.

"Sameer! SAMEER! " Munna called seeing Sameer lost in his own misery.

"Oh! Munna.Yes what happened?Everything fine?'' Sameer asked still in trance.

"You need complete rest Bro.I think you are tired.Hence going on blabbering anything.Let's go.'' Munna pulled Sameer to the bike stand.

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"O Bai! Hum yahan shadi ke din bhi dulha ko ache se nahin dekhte aur tu uss paraye ladke ke saath..Ram Ram. (We don't even look at the groom even on wedding day and you with that stranger boy...Oh!Lord!)'' Taiji said mincing the words with teeth.

"Par humne to sirf stage sambhala tha..yeh humara farz tha''. (But we had only managed the stage...This is our responsibility) Naina tried defending her stand.She felt disgusted that Sameer's character was being assassinated in this petty issue.

"O Bai! Iss ladki ki tevar to dekho.Ek to galti karna aur upar se muh pe jawab dena.Wah! Bela..kya sanskaar diyen hai ladkiyon ko.'' (Just look at this girl's attitude.Committing mistake at first place and then replying on face..Very good Bela! What morals you have taught these girls!) Taiji spoke sarcastically while Tauji kept mum just nodding in agreement and utmost anger.

"Bhagwan jhooth na bulaye Bhabhi Ji! Nach gaane ka function tha to bache nach gaana hi karenge na..ab yahan sanskar kahan se aa gaya?'' (It was programme of music and dance..so chidren will sing and dance..now where does morals come in between ) Bela Chachi argued reasonably.

The phone rang interrupting further arguments and more character assassinations.

"Ab iss phone ko abhi bajna tha?''(Did this phone had to ring now?) Taiji cursed the caller and picked up the phone.

"Koun hai?' (Who's there) Taiji's cacophonic voice filled the drums of receiver.

"Oh Shit! This old fat lady.. ''Sameer hit his head with the back of receiver and chose not to reply.

"Ghunge ho kya?''Bol nahin sakte? (Are you dumb?Can't you speak?) Taiji spitted the words into the receiver .

Without getting any reply she kept the receiver beside the telephone,so that it would not ring again and disturb the proceeding of her 'self-made and home-made' Supreme Court.

"Sach bata Naina wo ladka tujhe kya bol raha tha beech mein?''Tell me the truth Naina.What was that boy telling you in between?) Taiji again asked as she was determined to go to the deep of the matter..serious matter...prestige matter.

"Ki..Main uspe gir jaun ''(That I will fall upon him) Naina uttered with hesitation.

"KYA! Tu itni gir gayi?Ek ladke.. ke upar ..'' (What? You stooped so low? Fall on a boy?) Taiji spoke in utter shock and then came the true show-stealer'.

SLAP...A NEAT AND TIGHT SLAP.

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"Arey Sameer ! Why are you sitting holding the phone and holding your face?Are you getting slaps on phone even?'' Nanaji asked piqued at the way Sameer was positioned on the sofa set. Sitting cross-legged with the phone's receiver in one hand and the other hand's palm on his clean-shaven cheeks.

"Wo ..Nanu! I was..just..enacting a film scene. ''Sameer tried to sound convincing.

"I think your drama would be over by now.So keep the phone and retire to bed.You look really tired.'' Nanaji said and retired to his room not before throwing a glance to his' apple of eye' who was physically present and mentally absent.

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"Naina! Are you still upset over Taiji's words?'' Preeti asked while putting the bedsheet over bed.

"No..just that didn't like the character assassination parade she was doing without understanding my part of story''.Naina grunted as she kept the pillows to sleep.

"Oh! Just forget this as another bad dream.By the way let me confess you one thing.You both looked so good with each other.Just like Anil Kapoor and Sridevi in Mr.India,Prem and Suman of Maine Pyar Kiya,Raj and... ''Preeti was trailing only to be interrupted by Naina.

"Pause,Apply the brakes..I know this.Now sleep. ''Naina said and threw herself on the pillow.The night felt young and the night air smelt better.

She could still feel his hot breaths that had tingled her senses and the gaze he had on her and the...

"Naina! One last question.How do you know?'' Preeti asked suddenly feeling all curious and more excited.

"Preeti! GOOD NIGHT.''Naina wished so as to stop Preeti from further enquiry.

Both slept...she tried sleeping.

Next day at School

There was an anxious unrest brewing in his insides.She was still no where to be found. Suddenly he felt he was no more nervous..he was hyper ventilating.

Then he saw her.She approaching from far with her hair strands flying wildly making her look beautiful.And just when he stepped further close enough to talk to her somebody blocked the way.

Somebody known as 'Principal's Peon'.

"Sameer Maheshwari and Naina Agarwal! Principal Sir wants you in his office right now''. The peon broke his trance,her smile and their supposed to-take-place conversation.

"I hope its not about 'THE' big issue'' He whispered loud enough for Naina's ear drums to capture the words.

"I know..its not definitely about THAT. Naina whispered less and blushed more as she remembered the few moments they shared so close to each other.It all seemed a dream now..

"So Sameer and Naina.First let me talk about last night.As you both know it was a great success.Thanks to both of you for hosting it well.But the dance..was it choreographed or ..it looked nearly flawless except the nervousness on Naina's face at beginning.I think its your first duet performance.You both danced very well.I never knew Naina had this talent too.Keep it up. ''

Principal Sir praised them for their efforts and yet both knew how they were battling with the smoke of confusion and surety,cold bodies and flaming emotions.

They knew..only they.

They looked at each other a little too long to be just friends.

"Thank you Sir for encouraging us and trusting us all the way''. Sameer spoke up as he realised Naina was tongue tied to utter a single syllable even.

"Well now you both have another work to hold together.Tomorrow is our Founder's birth anniversary.There will be a brief meeting in the morning assembly .In the evening you both have to go and donate the food and dress packets in the orphanage that is behind the school's lane.So you both decide the time when you shall visit the place for the donations.That's all for now.You can leave for your class''.

"Naina!You fine now? ''He asked as they were heading back to class.

"Hmm..why ? Do I look sick? ''She asked surprised.

"Na..I was asking about yesterday's night.You got scoldings and...slap. ''Sameer asked hesitantly fearing how she would react.

"How do you know?'' She was really surprised to learn his words.

"Umm..I overheard the conversation. Sorry.'' Sameer apologised her holding his ear.

"I am completely fine.This drama is common in our house.We get slaps like God's blessings.'' She said and laughed.

"Okay so let me know when are we meeting tomorrow in the evening .I need to let my family know about the timing so as to get the permission.'' She asked while Sameer was busy thinking something.

"You better report in school at 4 pm. We would go from here.'' Sameer informed as he entered the classroom.

Later in the afternoon

"Hi! So Head Girl Naina Agarwal is late exactly by 7 minutes.'' Sameer declared while Naina looked at him rolling her eyes.

My cycle tyre got flattened. And don't behave like we are late for an important meeting. She said as she signalled him to follow the pick up van that carried the stock.

They distributed the packets and spent a good time with the kids.

"Sameer! Sameer! SAMEER!''Naina called him at her maximum pitch for he was too busy in playing with the kids and singing songs for them.

"What?'' He looked at her and saw her signalling to go back.

"Why are you shouting at the top of voice like your Libraraian father.'' Sameer asked her fidgeting with the curtains.

"He is my father.Are you not getting late for home? We finished the work early.Now let's go. ''Naina emphasized.

"Naina! You can leave.I am going to stay for atleast half an hour here. ''Sameer said as he started walking towards the kids.

"But why?'' Naina knew it was not definitely for his sudden interest in the kids.

"I have to bunk my tution class.''Sameer voiced the truth without meeting her eyes.

"You take tutions? ''Naina was surprised to learn a new fact about his life.

"Yeah.Nanu has arranged for a tutor to teach me.My mother feels that a home-tutor can concentrate only on me and in that way my progress report would atleast look a bit respectful.''

"Oh.So nice.But then why are you bunking the class? You should better attend them with much more sincerity and devotion.'' Naina asked puzzled.

"He is a good student but a terrible teacher.If he teaches me for 3 years in a row even,I am not going to pass forget about respectful progress report. '' Sameer said with utter frustration.

"In that case you should talk to Nanaji about the same.He can hire a better tutor for you''.Naina stated matter-of-factly.

"Do you know Naina he is the third one within two months of this coaching.Nanaji has already left hopes from me and I have already lost hopes from my tutors.At this junction I am terribly missing my first tutor.'' Sameer's lips formed a sad-smile remembering the best moments with his first tutor.

"Ah well! Then why don't you ask your Nanaji to hire him? ''Naina asked surprised.

"Nanaji can't hire.Because the tutor's Libraraian father has issued a stay order on her teaching classes.'' Sameer said with a smirk and tease in tone.

"Sameer!'' Naina whined understanding which tutor he was talking about.

"It's true Naina.Let me tell you one truth.The chapters you had taught me are the ones which I have understood well and still remember.The formulae and concepts are still on my tongue tip.My tutor wanted to teach those chapters but I denied his offer.I can't afford to mess my existing understanding with the chaos of his teaching.'' Sameer said while Naina smiled all along with a thought doing somersaults in her mind.

"Sameer ! If you want I still can help you with studies. ''Naina declared to which Sameer looked amazed and in utter shock.

"Are you serious Naina? Can you tutor me outside classes.'' Sameer nearly begged her.He only had hopes from her.

"I really want to help you.But you know my family.I don't know where we can meet outside other than school'' Naina voiced her predicament.

"I know a better place.Come with me. ''He said all excitedly and gestured her to follow him on her cycle while he led the way on his bike.

"So my respected Tutor Naina Madam,there is your coaching institute.'' Sameer halted infront of a sprawled lawn and showed Naina a building at far.

"What is that? Its not clearly visible''.Naina asked trying to figure out which building that was and was surprised how she had missed noticing the building before.

"That's a library.My Nanu was invited on its inauguration day.So I have the idea about its existence.Only the ground floor has been constructed.So not much know about it.I have seen it from inside.They have tried to keep it equipped with all types of international and national magazines and journals.Trust me,you will surely find it far better and helpful than our school library.So this can serve two purposes.You can study and alongside can tutor me.I am ready to pay the fees even.Please Naina I don't want to study near that terrible tutor. ''Sameer explained and Naina seemed quite excited about the whole thing and impressed by his interest in studies and libraries.

"I am ready but for that let me first seek permission from my home.We can meet at this time.I think two hours everyday would be enough for you to grasp all the materials.'' Naina sounded positive and Sameer felt that the setting sun looked more beautiful that day.

"Umm..Naina! One more thing'' Sameer voiced as Naina started to leave.

"Now what?'' Naina was surprised that he still had something more to say to her.

"I had to give you this... ''He trailed and took out a velvet box from his pocket much to amazement of Naina.

Naina intriguingly opened the box to find her waist chain rolled and placed neatly in it.

"From where did you get this? I thought I had lost this.'' Naina was grateful to him for saving her from another round of scoldings and possible slaps.

"It got unhooked while your Taiji was dragging you towards the gate.I kept it thinking to hand it over to you in school but didn't get the chance.'' Sameer said while Naina blushed and felt embarrassed about the previous day's happenings.

"Thank you.But its not mine.'' Naina thanked and clarified.

"Then whose? Taiji's? I was thinking that how could it be so long.Like your waist..''. Sameer bit his tongue realising his slip.

"That is of Bela Chachi.I had burrowed it from her.'' Naina informed and blushed realising his slip.

"Naina! Let's go.It's getting dark.'' He called her as he saw her looking at the waist chain and smiling,turning into several shades of scarlet.

"Oh.Yes.I will let you know the decision..''. Naina was interrupted by "by today's night.I shall call you.Bye till then.'' Sameer said and drove.

"Pagal! ''(Crazy!) She said and grinned widely as she paddled back home.

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"Kya? Tujhe ghar mein,school mein padhne ke liye jagah kam pada ki tu ab kisi lib..rary mein jayegi?''(What? You didn't get enough place in school and home that you want to go to a lib..rary now?)Taiji's voice roared in house as she overheard Naina asking Chachaji the permission to go to library to study.

"Bhabhiji! Bachon ki padhai ke liye hi to library banayi gayi hai.Aur hume iska pura labh bhi uthana chahiye.''(For student's studies only library has been established.Hence we should reap out the profits from it.) Chachaji tried to make Taiji see sense and stop her non-sense.

"Haan haan..Karo apni manmani.Hum to unpadh gawar hein.Jao lib..rary mein aur milo apni mehbooba se.'' (Yes yes..Do as you wish.We are illiterate.Go to libraray and meet your love.)Taiji left with a cringe.

"Beta!Tum ache se padhai karna.Lekin sham se pehle aa jana.''(Dear! Study well there.But return before it gets dark) Chachaji said and blessed his darling Naina.

The phone had already gone up ringing for five times as they were completing the dinner.Naina knew it was Sameer's call only.She was waiting for everyone to retire to their beds.

"Hello!'' Naina whispered into the receiver.

"Naina! Haan ya Naa ''Sameer directly questioned.

"What do you think?'' Naina teased him a little.

"I think...Taiji kissed you. ''Sameer definitely knew how to tease her too.

"SAMEER! ''She whined at his sarcastic reply.

"Okay..so what's the decision.I can't wait. ''Sameer was really getting impatient.

"Come with Biology book and note copy.Yes! Come reading Chapter-3.Good Night. ''Naina said and kept the phone.

In Library

"Thank you Naina for this great help.Well one more thing.Are we not going to study chapter-1 and 2?'' Sameer asked as he flipped the chapters.

"Those two chapters are easy.Just you have to memorise few things.I have made notes of them in my this copy.You take it today.Copy them down.Any doubts,you can call me or can ask me when we meet. ''Naina explained her strategy as she handed over the copy.

"Done!Thank you so so much.'' Sameer folded his hands in reverence to her.

"Don't do much drama.Study well. ''Naina said as she bid adieu to him for the day.

At Night

"Hello! Naina.Can you meet me tomorrow at the library?I have an important doubt. ''Sameer spoke with immediacy laced in her tone.

"What's the doubt?Tell me.I can clear it now. ''She was surprised that what could be so important in those chapters.

"No.I have to clear that when we meet only.Please tomorrow morning.I can't wait to get my doubt cleared.Good night.See you in morning at 7.30 am.'' Sameer said the required details and hung off.

"This guy will drive me crazy one day.'' Naina told herself as she settled herself to study.

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In The Morning

"Good morning Naina!'' Sameer greeted her as she reached near the library.

"Good morning.But Sameer this library is closed now.The notice board says it would open at 9 am.Where will we clear our doubts?'' Naina asked worried.

"I have a plan.Have you seen the new compound of temple that is under construction?'' Sameer asked quizzingly.

"NO.I wanted but Chachiji didn't allow.Are we going there now?'' She asked feeling excited about visiting the new avenue of temple.

"Yes.Follow me.'' Sameer signalled and she obliged.

"Finally we are here.Okay! No more time waste.What's your doubt?Did you copy the notes?''Naina asked getting impatient to clear his doubt.

"Naina..just open page-4 of your note copy.I can't understand the terms written over the margin.Please explain.'' Sameer said as he forwarded her note copy to her.

"What's written so doubtful that you couldn't understand... ''Her words halted in her throat as she read the words written in red colour in her own handwriting-

NAINA LOVES SAMEER'.

"Yes! Madam.Please clear what the meaning of those words.I tried understanding whole night.Would you please enlighten me about the meaning?'' Sameer said with a curt smile adorning his face while Naina was at short of words.

Her heart was written in bold,red ink and was lying open infront of him.What more she could say ?Or Clarify?

"I don't know the meaning.'' Naina said and closed the copy.

"Well I have a possible meaning for that doubt.Let me show you what I have understood.'' Sameer said and pulled the copy from her grip.She had stopped thinking altogether and let him have his ways.

"So..our equation is Naina Loves Sameer.Let us put a reversible arrow.Perfect.

So the equation becomes-

SAMEER LOVES NAINA.''

Sameer wrote the words as if truly solving a chemical equation.

"Naina! Is it correct now? ''Sameer asked sounding innocent but with hint of tease in eyes.

"I don't know..'' Naina smiled and got up from there blushing with happiness reaching her eyes.

"Naina! Where are you leaving?I need my answer.Is that equation correct? I will fail in my exam.Nanu will scold me if I get the answer wrong..Please tell me.. ''Sameer said and Naina could not stop her laughter from bursting out.

"Sameer Maheshwari...Ask yourself..See you in school.'' She threw the words as she descended down the temple stairs while he kept on looking at her and their handwritings...

Perhaps they were the first ever couple to confess in such an unconventional way..

Because they were so different from each other and so different from the ways of the world.

Precap;EPILOGUE

P.S.:Thank you for reading.😃 Would love to read all your feedbacks.😳